M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers

There’s something to be said about how seriously a neighborhood bar and burger joint takes it’s commitment to good beer when it sports a hanging Chimay logo prominently above the bar. M.L. Rose has two menus on each table: a food menu, and a seasonal, separate beer menu. The beer menu is three times the size of the food menu. With 20 taps and 90-something beers available in bottles (and a few cans), it’s clear what the main attraction is.

We visited the Melrose location (there is a second location in West Nashville) during Friday happy hour. Here are the results of my flight:

I originally wanted a Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout, but the keg had run out and they didn’t have another on hand, so I tried the cider instead. Apparently Left Hand Stout is very popular there as a dessert item, which they serve as part of an ice cream float!

The food is a good example of the currently trendy “artisan” pub fare: I had a veggie burger with Kenny’s white cheddar, avocado, and natural uncured bacon, accompanied by the house-made potato chips (they were greasy but good). M.L. Rose has a comfortable, kitschy decor that easily confirms it’s “neighborhood bar” identity, and a nice airy patio at the back of the restaurant. I am sure I’ll be returning.

Lines on Ale (1848)

Fill with mingled cream and amber
I will drain that glass again.
Such hilarious visions clamber
Through the chamber of my brain -
Quantest thoughts - queerest fancies
Come to life and fade away;
What care I how time advances?
I am drinking ale today.